No items found.
Just as a tree grows straight when its twig is properly guided, a house with ‘Good Bones’ thrives when its structure is thoughtfully designed. This concept of good bones refers not to the finishes of the façade, but to the unseen framework—the structural integrity, material efficiency, and thoughtful planning that make a home affordable, sustainable, and enduring. As we face growing demands for cost-effective and eco-conscious housing, the secret to success lies in what’s behind the walls.
Affordability begins with simplicity. Homes with Good Bones are designed using predictable, repeatable systems that reduce waste and labor. By embracing standard material dimensions—like 4’x8’ or 4’x12’ sheathing panels—and aligning structural elements such as studs, floor joists, and roof trusses at consistent intervals (16” or 24” on center), builders can minimize off-cuts and optimize material use.
This approach transforms construction into a kit-of-parts system. For example, a 100-square-foot shed built with full-sized panels and consistent spacing is far more efficient than one with irregular dimensions. Even window and door openings can be integrated into the structural grid, eliminating the need for extra framing and reducing point loads. The result? Less waste, faster builds, and lower costs.
Sustainability starts with the structure
Sustainability is not just about solar panels and green roofs—it starts with the bones. In Canada, where wood is abundant and renewable, using it strategically within a well-planned structural grid enhances both environmental performance and occupant comfort.
.jpg)
When framing members are consistently spaced, full insulation batts fit perfectly without gaps or cuts, improving thermal performance. Fewer studs mean fewer thermal bridges, allowing walls to retain heat more effectively. Additionally, aligned framing simplifies mechanical installations. HVAC systems can run more efficiently without unnecessary bends and elbows, reducing energy use and operational costs.
This thoughtful design not only lowers environmental impact but also creates healthier, more comfortable living spaces.
The Blueprint for Better Living
Designing homes with Good Bones is more than a construction strategy—it’s a philosophy. It requires discipline from architects, builders, and planners to prioritize efficiency, repeatability, and sustainability from the outset. But the payoff is significant: homes that are easier to build, more affordable to own, and better for the planet.
When we build with Good Bones, everyone benefits—homeowners enjoy comfort and reliability, builders reduce waste and cost, and communities gain access to sustainable housing solutions. In the end, it’s not just about what you see—it’s about the strength and intelligence behind the drywall.
Sly Lafond
Toronto
Hello, I'm Sly, the Director of Low-rise design.
I've been working as a designer in the architectural field for 29 years after graduating Architectural Technology in 1994.
I am most passionate about innovating new typologies for low-rise residential which address affordability and sustainability.
I especially enjoy the challenge of designing tight spaces.
I believe that getting the bones right is the key to good design and ultimately its execution. This is especially true for today's housing.
I have recently been exploring ways to improve renewable resources on my off-grid property. Bringing together our natural environment and abundant local resources with today's housing designs brings me the greatest pleasure.
